Being Challenged Is Way Better Than Doing Nothing

In research that’s been done on the subject of happiness it’s been discovered that people tend to report being happiest when they are involved in an endeavor that requires a high level of attention and focus, and which challenges them in significant ways—and yet is not totally beyond their capabilities. For the vast majority of people this kind of engagement is more likely to result in happiness than sitting around doing nothing.

By The Way, What Really Matters? -- Audio Podcast

Check out the fun opening story!

                    Click here for audio!

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It's About People, Not Things

“In our quest to discover what we really want, it doesn’t take long before we turn away from things to people. Ultimately, we hope to find what can satisfy the deep yearning within us in relationships with others. Why? Because our deepest desire isn’t to possess things but to belong.” –Stanley J. Grenz

A Day At Lake Sara

                       Click here for video!

Searching For The Truth

For the follower of Jesus our goal is not to win arguments.  Typically, winning an argument has more to do with nurturing and protecting our ego.  For the follower of Jesus our goal is to understand and embrace the truth.  Understanding and embracing the truth draws us closer to the Source of all truth.  “I am the way and the truth and the life…” –Jesus, John 14:6

Loving One Another With God's Love

Do we love others with the same love with which God loves us?  That seems like it would be a significant challenge, doesn’t it?  That’s the challenge of Jesus to you and I.  Jesus said this:  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.

That's Why We Call It Good News

As finite creatures we can’t be truly satisfied with finite pleasures.  The truth is that what we’re searching for is something infinite. …Hmm, if only something infinite really existed, huh?  Fortunately, He does.  And the good news is that the infinite, transcendent Lord actually died on a cross and rose again for you and me, personally. Yep, it seems too good to be true but that’s why we call it the Good News.

Hope You Have A Great Holiday!

“Historically, a holiday was a ‘holy day,’ an intrinsically valuable, special, active change of pace in which, through proactive play and recreation, you refreshed your soul.” – Moreland & Issler.  By that definition of the word, when’s the last time you actually had a holiday?

E-Flash From Dan, 5/25/12

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Sure, I know it’s a holiday weekend.  But we have some great services planned for this Sunday and I hope that—if you’re going to be in town—you will be able to gather together with us and give honor to God.  Time with God and with God’s people always makes every holiday even better, right?  Even though I can’t hear you, I’m quite certain that you just said “yes!”

This Sunday, we will be finishing up our series on the book of Galatians with a message titled:  “By The Way, What Really Matters?”  I truly believe it will be an encouraging and helpful message.

Before Sunday even rolls around, though, I have an opportunity for you to hear a “God story” from one of our brothers in Christ.  The God Stories Podcast 2 can be heard by clicking on the link below.  On the podcast, I talk with Kevin Durr.  Take a listen, you will enjoy it and be blessed by it.

Link…  http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2012052507050810D3C3

I’m praying that you will have a safe, happy, restful, fun, interesting, joyful, peaceful, exciting, faith-filled weekend!   (I know, I know, but I can pray for it anyhow because God can do miracles.)

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  One more thing… final revisions are being made right now on my new book and it will be available soon!  I’m really excited, as you might imagine.  The title of the book is:  “That’s A Very Good Question!”  Click on this link to get a few more details.   Link…  http://danmarler.blogspot.com/2012/05/thats-very-good-question-my-new-book.html

God Stories Podcast 2

I talk with Kevin Durr about his God story!  It's a fun listen.  Check it out!

                  Click here for audio!

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The Curriculum of Discipleship

Becoming a disciple of Jesus is an on-going pursuit that increasingly becomes our entire way of life.  It is something that followers of Jesus will be doing for the rest of our lives here on earth.  Everything that Jesus said, taught and modeled about how to live life is part of the curriculum of discipleship.

That's A Very Good Question -- My New Book, Available Soon!

I’m very excited!  Final revisions are being made and my new book should be available in several weeks.  Check out the cover of the book in the picture.  The title is: That’s A Very Good Question – Answers To Tough Questions.

Here is what it says on the back cover…

Pastors are asked lots of questions about the Christian faith—in fact, they are asked some very good questions. Like these:

• What convinces you that there is a God?

• Can God do anything?

• What’s the difference between blind faith and reasonable faith?

• What’s the point of praying?

• Can you explain God’s timing?

• How can someone who has been really hurt extend God’s grace?

This book provides answers to these tough questions and many others as Dan takes a look at some of the more interesting and difficult questions that he has been asked in his many years of pastoral ministry and offers answers that are biblically sound, understandable, witty, and encouraging. You’ve probably asked some of these “very good questions” yourself.

The book will be available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble,com and through Westbow Press.

I’m really hoping that you will make “That’s A Very Good Question” part of your summer reading!

The Flash! -- Audio Podcast

Brief fun story about getting up and getting ready really fast.
Approx. 3 mins.

                  Click here for audio!

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Having A Laugh With God

Sometimes—not often, but sometimes—when I’m having my devotional time with God a thought will occur to me and God and I will have a laugh together.  That’s allowed, right?

Living Without Anxiety

These words are helpful and comforting to me because I want to live without anxiety:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil.4:6&7

Transformed By An Encounter With Jesus

In the Bible there is an assumption that if a person has a real encounter with Jesus, that person does not stay the same.  The person is transformed.  In fact, this transformation is considered to be part of the essence of Christianity.  “…What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” Galatians 6:15.

Are We Aware of God's Presence?

Are we genuinely aware of God’s presence?  Do we know this presence as an authentic truth of the experience of our lives?  “The instant cure for most of our religious ills would be to enter the Presence in spiritual experience, to become suddenly aware that we are in God and God is in us.” – A.W. Tozer.

You Reap What You Sow -- Audio Podcast

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Being A Good Theologian

“If you think about God at all, you are doing theology, because theology is the study of God (from the Greek ‘Theos’, ‘God’). So the question is not whether you are a theologian or not. Rather, the question is whether you are going to be careful and informed, or careless and ignorant, in your thinking about God.” – Jonathan Wilson

Action Is What Leads To A New Future

*POSTED:  In order to have a genuine sense of hope we have to believe that the future holds something good and positive. “It is a peculiarity of man that he can only live by looking to the future.” Victor Frankl

The following question came in response to the post, above...

Question:  What happens when someone believes the future just holds more of the same?

Answer...

The idea that the future “just holds more of the same” would actually be a comfortable place for some people.  But it’s clear that that’s not the sense in which the questioner is expressing this thought.  The idea that the future just holds more of the same would, frankly, be anything but hopeful for a lot of us.

If we don’t want the future to hold more of the same, the bottom line is that we have to be willing to do different things.  I’m specifically referring to “actions.”  For the future to be different, we have to be willing to take new actions.  We have to try things we haven’t tried before.  All the clichés—like “be willing to move out of your comfort zone”—that we’ve heard before apply here.  (It’s helpful to remember that sometimes a “saying” becomes cliché because it’s true.)

So, we have to be willing to take some different actions that might feel risky to us.  (By the way, I’m not talking about doing things that are “risky” in the sense of being illegal or life threatening, but risky in the sense of being actions we haven’t taken before.)

In fact, it’s very likely that the future will, in fact, hold more of the same unless we take some new actions.

When it comes to making changes in our lives—changes that move us into a future that’s not just the same as the past—there are factors that can make a difference, factors like thinking, planning, learning new things, and making new commitments.  But at the end of the day action trumps everything else.  The actions we take will be the biggest factor in moving us toward a different future.

The Humility And The Glory of Jesus

The steepest, most profound, most humbling descent ever taken was the descent of Jesus, …“Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; rather, he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Phil. 2:6&7.  But ultimately it was a descent into supreme glory and greatness!

We Don't Need Electricity To Have A Church Service

What happens when you walk into church for the Sunday services and there's no electricity?
This is a very brief audio story about our terrific services without electrical power.

Quick audio podcast, take a listen...

                    Click here for brief audio!

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Don't Give Up... Keep Trying

Many important and worthwhile pursuits will require that we attempt a number of different ways and approaches before we break through and really make progress.  So, we have to be willing to try and try again.  ….And then try yet one more time.

What The Bible Says About Me

Part of why I trust and respect the Bible is that I’ve noticed it has this uncanny way of capturing the truth about who I am. In fact, sometimes it reminds me of some truths about “who I am” even when I’m not in the mood to encounter the truth about who I am.  (…Gee, it’s hard to imagine that I wouldn’t want to clearly see some truths about myself, huh?)

Mother's Day 2012 Message -- Audio Podcast

                   Click here for audio!

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We Can Be Authentic

Most people are pretty good at detecting phoniness—and they don’t like it. While it is not possible for us to be perfect, it is possible—with God’s help—to be authentic.

E-Flash From Dan, What's Coming 5/20/12?

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Do you ever sit around wondering what’s going to be happening at church this Sunday?  Yep, that’s what I thought.  Me, too!

Well, I invite you to click on the link below and listen to the podcast in which I’m joined by Vic to provide some details about the great services this Sunday—including the Youth Bake Sale AND the Soup Cook Off after the 11 o’clock service.

What’s Coming This Sunday, Audio Podcast, Link…   http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=201205180405042CB68C

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S.  Thank you, again, for your prayers for Art Serenas.  We truly believe that our brother in Christ has experienced a miraculous intervention from God.  We continue to get good news on the progress that he is making.  The situation remains serious and we still ask for your prayers, but we definitely have cause for gratefulness and praise!

Tricked By Our Own Desires?

Sometimes our own longings and desires can trick us.  They trick us by leading us to believe that we will be satisfied—we’ll finally find true contentment—if we can just possess whatever it is we’re longing for.  Followers of Jesus understand that true contentment can only be found in the strength, knowledge and presence of Christ.

What's Coming This Sunday, 5/20/12? -- Audio Podcast

                 Click here for audio!

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How God Treats Me

My friend, Greg, says, “God’s been treating me way better than I deserve.”  To that comment I would say, “Yep, me too.”  It is God’s nature to be gracious, in other words He extends goodness, favor & forgiveness that we have not earned and do not deserve.  As a blessed recipient of God’s incredible grace, I am really thankful that’s true.  How about you?

E-Flash From Dan, May 17, 2012

Dear E-Flash Friends;

When the surgeon came into our waiting room with a smile on his face, we had a good feeling.  The surgeon told us that the procedure was successful.  A patch had been attached to Art’s heart and we have cause for optimism.  We are all keenly aware that the situation is still serious but we are joyful and a collective sigh of relief could be felt in the room.

After speaking with the surgeon for a few minutes, we all gathered in a large circle, held hands, and offered a prayer of thanks to God.

Many of you have prayed for our brother in Christ, Art Serenas.  Thank you for doing so.  Art’s family is grateful for your loving thoughts and prayers.  I am, too! 

Again, Art’s situation is still serious.  We ask that you would please continue to pray.  But we are hopeful and praise God for good, encouraging progress!

Praise God!

Blessings,

Dan

A Sense of Identity Rooted In God

When our sense of identity is found in God, it is rooted in the most proper, substantive and secure foundation.  When our sense of identity is found in anything other than God, it is rooted in something undependable.  We are made in the image of God and He loves us unconditionally.  Let’s rejoice that these are the great, profound and stable truths of “who we are”.

Walk With God And Put Your Trust In Him

Question: Exactly what will happen today?  Answer: We don’t know for sure.  Therefore:  Walk closely with God and put your full trust in Him.

The Availability of the Bible

“As recently as the fifteenth century, it took ten months to copy the Bible by hand, and a single copy cost more money than the average person made in a lifetime.  Besides that, few people knew how to read.” – Bickel & Jantz.  So, think about it:  if you own one or two Bibles (or more) and you know how to read them…you are very blessed.

Paying Attention To God

There are all kinds of ways that God can use to get our attention—some of those ways can even be a bit painful.  It will probably be easier and more pleasant for us if we continually cultivate a sensitivity and alertness to God so that He already has our attention.

Congratulations, It's Impressive That You're Here!

The fact that you and I were even born is a statistical miracle, biologically speaking, so congratulations, it’s impressive that you’re alive and reading this post!

Keep Trying

It’s okay to try things and fail.  In fact, that’s an important part of learning and growing and making progress in life.  The sad thing is when we get so self conscious and frightened of failure that we quit trying things that aren’t guaranteed to succeed. Remember, the only reason we can walk today is because we spent a lot of time falling down first.

Thanks, Moms. We Love You!

God tells us, through His word, to “Honor your father and mother.”  That’s what we’re going to be doing at our services today.  To all the moms out there, remember that what you do is very, very, very, very important.  (I’d add a couple more “verys” but you get the point, right?)  We thank God for you and we love you!!!

Who Is Well Off?

Who is really well off or blessed?  Jesus’ answer to that question is:  Anyone who is alive in the Kingdom of God is well off or blessed.  If you are saved and have come alive spiritually—if you are trusting in Christ—you are alive in God’s kingdom.  And anyone who is alive in God’s kingdom is blessed.

E-Flash From Dan -- May 12

Dear E-Flash Friends;

This Sunday is Mother’s Day.  We have a terrific service planned.  The men will be leading the worship this Sunday so get ready for the energy, enthusiasm and fun that always happens as they help us to praise our great and worthy God!

Of course, we will be honoring our moms and telling them how wonderful they are, too.

Also, the Mountain Movers discipleship group is having a bake sale after both the 9am and 11am services.  I’m already getting excited about chocolate and it’s not even Sunday, yet!  (Oh yeah, that’s right, I’m always excited about chocolate.)

Hope to see you this Sunday!

Love and blessings,

Dan

P.S. 

Check out the new God Stories Podcast.  This is an audio podcast in which I talk with people about God's activity in their lives. In fact, I really hope you will listen because this one is the first "official" God Stories Podcast! (I can tell you're excited. Me, too!) This podcast features my interview with Brittany Serenas in which she tells her God story.

Link…   http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2012051107052016CEC5

God Stories Podcast #1

This is an audio podcast in which I talk with people about God's activity in their lives. In fact, you should listen because it's the first "official" God Stories Podcast! (I can tell you're excited. Me, too!) This podcast features Brittany Serenas telling her God story.

            Click here for audio!

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His Power At Work In You

The truths that are communicated in this passage of Scripture are tremendously encouraging and exciting to ponder.  I hope it will bless you today.  Speaking of God,  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20  …Very cool to think about, huh?

What A Treat For The Moms!

As it stands currently my sermon for this sunday will run approximately 2.5 hours. Don't worry though I'm going to trim it back a good 7 to 8 minutes. What a treat for the moms, huh?

Standing For Jesus Anyhow

There will always be places where standing up for the truth of Jesus will be unpopular.  There will always be groups of people who will be bothered and offended by the truth of Jesus.  Those who truly follow Jesus will gently and lovingly, yet boldly and courageously stand for Jesus anyhow.

The Importance of Being Responsible

                Click here for audio!

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Thank You God!

You know how there are good things that happen and there is absolutely no explanation for it and yet you know they are true?  …That’s a good time to say, “Thank you God!”

God's Promises To You

“The power of faith is not dependent on the certainty of the promises you make to God, the power of faith rests on the certainty of the promises God makes to you.”  Author Unknown

It's Not A Punishment, It's A Favor

When I give people “the silent treatment” it’s not viewed as a punishment, it’s viewed as a really nice favor.

Humbling Ourselves

It’s possible that even a very spectacular fall, can lead to forgiveness and grace. But first we have to do something unspectacular and that is: humble ourselves.

Be Glad For Discipline

“Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.” Proverbs 15:5.  Wise discipline is a lot like physical pain.  It doesn’t feel good but it has great value in bringing important truth to our attention.  Be glad that you can feel pain, it’s the body’s warning system.  Be glad for discipline, too.  It leads to growth and maturity.

Genuine Thankfulness

The Bible instructs followers of Jesus to “always be thankful.” (See Col. 3:15).  Even on my worst days—if I will stop and think about it—I have A LOT to be thankful for.  In fact, if someone who is as blessed as I am can’t manage to be genuinely thankful then something is wrong.

Receiving The Kingdom Like A Child

Jesus said this, one time, “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Luke 18:17.  There is a form of innocent and accepting trust that children have—they haven’t had time to become jaded or cynical yet—that I believe Jesus is commending here.  It’s a great image and it’s compelling. I want to trust Him like that. How about you?

You Can't Be A Disciple If You Think You Can Fool Him

You can’t be a disciple of Jesus if you think you can fool Him because you can’t trust Him in the way that discipleship requires if you believe you can fool Him.

Celebrating Spiritual Victory!

We’re getting the tank ready for lots of baptisms tomorrow.  Occasionally there are people—who shall remain nameless—suggesting that we fill the tank with other liquids, besides water.  Practical jokers, they are.  But I always say, “No way, you punks!!!  We’re sticking with water!”  (A good pastor is protective about his people.)

God’s activity in our church is very encouraging.  The Spirit is at work here.  Tomorrow we celebrate Spiritual Victory!  Whoo hoo!!

Is There Evidence of Trust In Your Life?

When a person is really trusting Jesus, there is evidence of that trust.  So, here’s a good question:  If someone is looking at our lives and wondering whether we are really trusting in Christ, is there a good chance that the person would see evidence confirming that suspicion?

Real Love Is More Than What We "Say"

It’s relatively easy to say that we love God. Jesus reminds us, though, that the challenge of really loving Him involves not just what we say, but also what we do. Here’s the simple way that Jesus put it, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15

What's Coming Up This Sunday, May 6, 2012? -- Audio Podcast

                 Click here for audio!

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Trust God Not Money

It’s pretty easy to put our trust in money and the things that money can provide, like comfort and certain types of freedom regarding our time.  This inclination to trust money can happen for wealthy people, of course, but it can happen for people who don’t have a lot of money, as well.  The wisdom of the Bible calls for us to trust God, not money.

Is This Tan Real?

This is a picture of a mom who has been accused of allowing her daughter to get burned at a tanning salon, while she—the mom—was tanning.  Part of what has emerged in the story is that this woman is addicted to tanning.

This picture has appeared in several news stories regarding the woman and it is credited to CBS TV.  I know it's a somewhat silly story but I'm curious, is this tan real?  Or is it faked?

Here's another picture of her...

I recently heard a nutritional expert on TV say, “if you really pay attention while you’re eating junk food—like a Big Mac, or a piece of pizza, or an Oreo—you’ll realize that it doesn’t actually taste very good.”

…He was wrong.

God Is Able To Mend, Repair and Heal

The fact that God is mighty doesn’t just mean that he is the all-powerful Creator, it also means that He is the re-Creator, He is the restorer, He is the healer, He is the rebuilder.  If there are areas of our lives that are hurt and broken our Mighty God is able mend, repair and heal.

Sometimes Criticism Is Needed To Avoid Complacency

“Although the new wave of atheists like to imagine that religion has hitherto been exempt from frank criticism, Christians are in fact quite accustomed to it, and probably need it to help us avoid complacency.” – Phillip E. Johnson. That’s an interesting thought, huh? Johnson suggests that Christians “need” a certain amount of criticism to help us avoid complacency.

Helping Someone Back Onto The Right Path -- Audio Podcast

                      Click here for audio!

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What Do You Really Believe About God?

It makes no sense to surrender our selves to Christ and let him be “Lord” of our lives unless He is:  All powerful, all-knowing, loving, just, completely truthful, the Forgiver, the Healer, the One who makes us whole, the real Giver of life, and has our long-term best interests in mind.  So, a really good question is:  What do you believe about God and who He really is?

We Can Disagree With Someone And Still Love The Person

It seems that people will sometimes have a hard time understanding that there are situations in which we can genuinely love a person and yet strongly disagree with some of the things the person is doing.  In fact, there may even be times in which the most loving thing we can do is gently, kindly, humbly, yet firmly, disagree with what a person is doing.